Monday?s Expert League Wrap - Round 8,
2006

Another big weekend of football began on Friday night with the Cronulla Sharks surging back into contention following their 40-12 victory over the Panthers in Penrith. The Sharks join a number of teams, including the Panthers, in the middle of the competition ladder on eight points.

Saturday footy saw the Sydney Roosters bounce back with a victory over competition front runners the North Queensland Cowboys. After leading 10-6 at half time, the Roosters held on to win by 22-18. The result sees the Roosters join the log jam on eight points while the Cowboys share a chunk of the top spot on 12 points.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, the Storm played excellent wet weather football to outclass the St George IIlawarra Dragons by 24-12. Saints are battling for form on eight points while the win elevates the Storm into 12 points and equal with the competition leaders.

The Brisbane Broncos are also on 12 points after they came from behind to defeat the Canberra Raiders at old Lang Park. Amazingly, the 12th-placed Raiders led 18-0 at half time, only to be chased down in the second half.

Sunday Rugby League kicked off with the Canterbury Bulldogs proving too good for the New Zealand Warriors with a 30-16 victory in Auckland. The Bulldogs are now firming into the top eight on 10 points while the Warriors are still trying to kick clear of the last-placed Souths.

The round wrapped up at the SCG with a thrilling 23-22 win to the Manly Sea Eagles over the Parramatta Eels. A field goal in 78th minute snatched victory, elevating Manly to 10 points and into fifth spot on the ladder. The luckless Eels continue to stumble in 2006 and remain in 13th position.

All match results and details are listed below.

LeagueUnlimited.com Player AwardsThe LeagueUnlimited.com Player Awards still has Cowboys five-eighth Johnathan Thurston leading on 16 points and Knights half back Andrew Johns is still in second place on 12 points. But the challenge is being thrown down by half back Matt Orford (Sea Eagles) and hooker Cameron Smith (Storm) who have both moved into third position on 11 points.